Digital Photography Review Newsletter: Tuesday, 31 December 2013

	Digital Photography Review Newsletter Tuesday, 31 December 2013 The most popular weekly photography newsletter, with over 300,000 subscribers
Hello! And welcome to the 490th Digital Photography Review newsletter. Happy Holidays from DPReview! A message from Simon Joinson - Editor in chief: The entire team at dpreview would like to wish all our readers Happy Holidays, Season's Greetings, Merry Christmas or whatever you say in your part of the world. As we celebrate our 15th anniversary we're looking back on one of the busiest years that we can remember and looking ahead to 2014, which is likely to be even more exciting. Wherever you are, and whatever you're doing today, enjoy yourselves and thank you for being a part of dpreview.com! With more cameras reviewed (and over twice as much content in total) than in any previous year, four new writers trained and put into action, a swathe of improvements to the forums, a new studio comparison scene, our first foray into live video streaming and the launch of GearShop, 2013 has been another hectic year at DPReview. You haven't all liked all the changes (and I know a fair number of you have hated all of them), and we still need to work out how it is that the more reviews we do the more complaints we get about how we used to do more in the old days... But that's part of the fun of producing content for a passionate, invested and hyper-critical audience: it keeps you on your toes. The good news is that, in the face of tough times for our industry, DPReview is still managing to grow its audience year over year, and it is our goal in 2014 to introduce even more content and even more features to keep you coming back. This year we concentrated mainly on ironing out the bugs and adding features in the new forums, as well as doubling down on our efforts to review more cameras, faster - something we're still working on, and something we're definitely getting better at. We also launched the first part of our new Buying Guide section. In 2014 we plan to revamp our Feature Search, Challenges and Galleries systems and, fingers crossed, to launch our first apps, as well as expanding our editorial content to cover more accessories, lenses and photo techniques. We'll also be producing more video content, and we have some exciting events planned (which, I can't, unfortunately, tell you about yet). Oh, and we're hoping to be able to share our ideas for a complete site redesign at some point in the first half of the year. If you've been waiting patiently for 15 years to be able to read DPReview on a white background there is light at the end of the tunnel (and if you haven't, we'll let you keep the old white on black style, so don't fret!). Of course 2014 is likely to be an interesting camera year thanks to Photokina (in late September). We'll be there, on the floor, reporting on the latest developments, just as we have since the earliest days of digital photography. I'd like to personally thank all the editorial and web dev staff for the incredible hard work they've put in during 2013. These are people who live and breathe DPReview, who are obsessed with making it better and with getting it right. And I'd like to thank you, our audience, our community. Thanks for visiting, thanks for reading, thanks for contributing and thanks for keeping us honest with your no-holds-barred feedback. Without you, none of this would be possible. WTD #1449 Check out What The Duck in our Link Directory GearShop update - a message from Laura GearShop update - a message from Laura The GearShop team would like to thank you for supporting the site over this last half of 2013, and we look forward to growing and improving the store in 2014. We will continue offering you the best photo products available with competitive prices and the most informative content we can create, helping you feel confident in your next purchase. This week's best deals: Save $100 on Olympus XZ-10 and XZ-2 enthusiast compact cameras. Save up to 50% on select Manfrotto 190-series tripods, including special bundles with ball heads and back packs. Interested in getting medium format quality out of your NEX camera? Do you have some legacy Hasselblad, Pentax, or Mamiya 645 lenses? Check out the Vizelex Rhinocam, a one-of-a-kind product that lets you mount your medium format lenses on your NEX camera, producing stunning, high-resolution images. Plus, the price recently dropped to only $299! Until next week - Laura and the GearShop Team
News updates Nikon D5300 real-world and test scene samples Published on Tuesday, December 24, 2013 6:00:00 AM GMT The following real-world gallery and test scene shots were first published in our 2013 Camera Roundups, but we're highlighting the Nikon D5300 again in case you missed it the first time around since we're working toward a full review in 2014. The D5300 is Nikon's latest evolution of the D5200 by removing the optical low-pass filter (OLPF) and adding a handful of other features. See gallery Read full story → In photos: Flowing fins of Siamese fighting fish Published on Wednesday, December 25, 2013 6:00:00 AM GMT Thai photographer Visarute Angkatavanich has created a stunning series of close-up portraits of Siamese fighting fish. With simple backgrounds and dramatic lighting, the images show off the species' vivid colors and graceful fins. Siamese fighting fish, also known as Betta, now days are a popular aquarium fish. See gallery Read full story → Happy Holidays from dpreview Published on Wednesday, December 25, 2013 7:00:00 AM GMT The entire team at dpreview would like to wish all our readers Happy Holidays, Season's Greetings, Merry Christmas or whatever you say in your part of the world. As we celebrate our 15th anniversary we're looking back on one of the busiest years that we can remember and looking ahead to 2014, which is likely to be even more exciting. Wherever you are, and whatever you're doing today, enjoy yourselves and thank you for being a part of dpreview.com! Read full story → Hands-on with the Panono panoramic ball camera Published on Thursday, December 26, 2013 2:30:00 PM GMT The Panono is a ball-shaped panoramic camera with 36 individual camera modules and a built-in accelerometer. We got our hands on a prototype and met with its Berlin-based creators. See what we thought of the crowd-funded camera on connect.dpreview.com. Read full story → Pentax K-50 real-world and test scene samples Published on Friday, December 27, 2013 6:00:00 AM GMT The following real-world gallery and test scene shots were first published in our 2013 Camera Roundups, but we're highlighting the Pentax K-50 again in case you missed it the first time around. The Pentax K-50 is the follow up to the K-30 and is similar in appearance and spec to the K-500. The camera can also be custom ordered in 120 possible color combinations. See gallery Read full story → What The Duck #1449 Published on Friday, December 27, 2013 8:12:09 AM GMT We've come to the end of another week here at dpreview, and as our thoughts drift to weekend shooting opportunities, it's time to take things a little less seriously. Aaron Johnson's comic strip ‘What the Duck’ is just the thing, taking a gently satirical look through the lens of a photographically inclined waterfowl. You can find it published here (and in our newsletter) every week; we hope you enjoy it, and your weekend. Read full story → DPReview Videos: tutorials, product overviews, interviews and more Published on Saturday, December 28, 2013 5:37:44 AM GMT We don't just write news stories and product reviews here on DPReview.com, we also create videos. As well as samples the cameras we review, we also produce 'hands-on' video previews and overviews of many of the current hottest products on the market. In addition to these, we've recently started adding a series of video tutorials designed to help you make informed decisions about which camera, lens, or type of product might be best for you. Click through to browse our growing library of videos.  Read full story → In photos: The beauty of bees Published on Saturday, December 28, 2013 6:00:00 AM GMT Biologist Sam Droege of the USGS Native Bee Inventory and Monitoring Program has turned the work of documenting bee species into an art form. His rare and extremely detailed look at these insects provides an online reference catalog to help researchers identity native bee species across North America. See gallery Read full story → Sample Gallery: Nokia Lumia 1520 smartphone images Published on Sunday, December 29, 2013 3:23:11 PM GMT We couldn't wait to see Nokia's first phablet in action. The Lumia 1520 boasts a 20-megapixel PureView camera with optical image stabilization as well as the ability to save uncompressed Digital Negative (DNG) files. We're working on our full review of the device now and sharing our first sample gallery today on connect.dpreview.com. Read full story → Have your say: Best gear of 2013 Published on Monday, December 30, 2013 2:00:00 PM GMT A great many new products were released this year, and we've published in-depth content on plenty of them, full reviews of many and we've got plenty of opinions on all of them. This is your chance to have your day - which was the best gear of 2013? Click through to see our five readers' polls, and cast your vote! Read full story → Premium prime? Nikon AF-S Nikkor 58mm f/1.4G in-depth review Published on Monday, December 30, 2013 6:14:43 PM GMT The Nikon AF-S Nikkor 58mm f/1.4G was one of the more unexpected lens releases of 2013. It's a fast normal prime for full frame shooters, but its $1699.95 / £1599.99 price tag represents a huge premium compared to the existing (and very good) AF-S Nikkor 50mm f/1.4G. What's more, lab tests failed to show any clear sharpness advantage either. So why, exactly, is Nikon asking so much for this lens, and just how well does it perform in real-world use? Find out. Read our detailed review Read full story →
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Digital Photography Review Newsletter: Monday, 23 December 2013

	Digital Photography Review Newsletter Monday, 23 December 2013 The most popular weekly photography newsletter, with over 300,000 subscribers
Hello! And welcome to the 489th Digital Photography Review newsletter. I write this from an almost empty office, on a rainy day in Seattle as another year shudders to a soggy close. Tomorrow is Christmas eve, and I don't know about you, but I'm looking forward to a rest, if only to finally shake off this cold that I've had since October. Towards the end of December, we start to do two things. Look back on everything that happened over the past few months, and look ahead to what's coming up next year. The past twelve months have been incredibly busy here at dpreview. A lot of the work has been behind the scene on site improvements, but some of it has been very public. Almost 40 camera reviews (which I'm constantly being told we 'don't do anymore'), countless detailed first-impressions articles about new cameras and lenses, nine lens reviews (with another on the way before the end of the year) plus a totally revamped buying guide section of the site with seventeen (so far) detailed articles to help you choose the best gear for your needs... the list is long and I'm incredibly proud of the team of writers and developers that have made it all possible. Let's not forget either that over the summer we launched our own online store - GearShop.dpreview.com (US-only for now but watch this space), and earlier this month we produced our first ever day of live broadcasting in association with creativeLIVE. Phew! Let's take a look at last week's content highlights. Have your say: Best gear of 2013 There were many great cameras and lenses released in 2013, but which were the best? You can have your say now in our end of year readers polls. We've shortlisted standout cameras in four categories, plus another one for lenses and summarized their key selling points, but now it's over to you. Click the link below to see this year's polls and cast your vote! Click here to cast your vote for the best gear of 2013 Nikon Df review The Nikon Df is, at first appearance, the camera many people have been wanting for years - a classically styled DSLR with traditional external controls. Much of what's under the Df's retro skin is pretty familiar. The Df inherits the 16MP full-frame sensor from the flagship D4, and borrows a 39-point AF system from the enthusiast D610 But does the Df bring together the best of the old and the new for a compelling shooting experience? Let's find out! How? Why, by reading out full review of course! Click here to read our full review of the Nikon Df Panasonic Lumix DMC-GM1 review The Panasonic Lumix DMC-GM1 puts the 'Micro' in Micro Four Thirds as the smallest model in that class, with a 16MP Four Thirds sensor and a collapsible 12-32mm F3.5-5.6 kit lens. It offers many of the same features as its big brother the Lumix GX7, starting with the sensor, but in a much smaller package. See how it measures up in our full review. Click here to read our review of the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GM1 Fujifilm announces XF 10-24mm F4 R OIS wideangle zoom Fujifilm has announced the XF 10-24mm F4 R OIS, a premium ultra-wideangle zoom lens for the company's X system mirrorless cameras. It offers an angle of view equivalent to 15-36mm on full frame, and incorporates optical image stabilization to reduce blur at slow shutter speeds when shooting hand-held. It also has an aperture control ring on the barrel, and is compatible with the company's Lens Modulation Optimizer function. It'll be available from March 2014 for $999.95 / £849.99. Click here to read more about the new Fujifilm XF 10-24mm F4 zoom What's coming up? There's plenty on the way, including a full review of the new AF-S Nikkor 58mm F1.4 G, which we're hoping to get out before the end of this month, and of course we'll also be gearing up for the 2014 Consumer Electronics Show in Last Vegas, which takes place in early January. It's a good bet that we'll see plenty of new products announced at and slightly before the show, so keep an eye on our site in the first week of January. Also in early January we'll be posting our full review of the Sony a7 and a7R, and announcing a final readers' poll, pitting the winners of our five current polls against one another to find the best overall product of 2013. If you haven't voted yet in the five categories, what are you waiting for? Thanks for reading, Merry Christmas, and a very happy New Year from everyone here at dpreview.com. Barney WTD #1448 Check out What The Duck in our Link Directory GearShop update - a message from Laura GearShop update - a message from Laura New from GearShop: Whether you're deciding what to buy, or how to get the most out of the gear you already own, we hope you'll learn something from our on-going informational video series. Today we've added five new tutorial videos to our YouTube channel! This time, professional photographer Ryan Phillips tackles new topics, like the benefits of shooting with mirrorless cameras, why you should invest in a fast lens, how to choose a small camera, and more. Subscribe to our channel so you can be sure to see all of the new video content as soon as we add it. This week's best deals: All Sony NEX mirrorless cameras on sale, from the a3000 to the NEX-7: Save $100 or more. Every Canon DSLR has significant instant savings, from the entry-level Rebels to the professional quality of the 5D Mark III or 1-D X, now until January 4th. We've got some incredible prices on popular compact cameras, too. For under $200, you can get the travel zoom Panasonic Lumix ZS20 or the pocket enthusiast Fujifilm XF1. Until next week - Laura and the GearShop Team
News updates Art of Building contest: Vote for your favorite photo Published on Monday, December 16, 2013 7:00:00 AM GMT An eerie view from Alcatraz, the use of child labor in India and a symbol of the Soviet Union’s past industrial rush are some of the finalists in this year's international Art of Building photography competition run by the Chartered Institute of Building. A panel of judges shortlisted 15 images. Now the contest turns to you to decide the winner. Learn more Read full story → Tamron announces availability of 150-600mm F/5-6.3 telephoto zoom Published on Monday, December 16, 2013 11:15:48 AM GMT Tamron has announced that its SP 150-600mm F/5-6.3 Di VC USD telephoto zoom will go on sale on December 19th in Japan, and 17th January 2014 in the USA. The lens will feature optical image stabilization and an Ultrasonic Silent Drive autofocus motor, and be compatible with both full frame and APS-C SLRs. It will be available first in Canon mount, with Nikon and Sony versions to follow. Pricing is still to be confirmed. Read full story → Lens reviews update: test data for the Sigma 24-105mm f/4 DG OS HSM Published on Monday, December 16, 2013 5:07:47 PM GMT DxOMark has just reviewed the Sigma 24-105mm f/4 DG OS HSM, a general-purpose zoom for full frame SLRs. As part of our ongoing collaboration we've added the test data to our lens widget, and looked to see how it compares to the Canon equivalent. We've also added test data for the Nikon mount version of Zeiss's stellar Apo Sonnar T* 2/135. Click through for our full analysis, and a link to DxOMark's own reviews. Read full story → Samyang says five of its full frame lenses now available in Sony E mount Published on Tuesday, December 17, 2013 10:50:01 AM GMT Samyang has announced that, as promised in October, five of its full frame lenses are now available in Sony E-mount, and are therefore the first third-party optics with native mounts for the Sony A7 and A7R. The lenses are the 14mm F2.8, 24mm F1.4, 24mm F3.5 tilt-and-shift, 35mm F1.4, and 85mm F1.4. All feature manual focus and aperture operation and, because they're essentially SLR lenses with an adapter tube added, all are considerably more bulky than their Alpha mount counterparts. Click through for more information and images of the E-mount lenses. Read full story → 5 Kickstarter projects for photographers Published on Tuesday, December 17, 2013 4:25:00 PM GMT From gadgets that promise to make timelapse photography easier to a lens that will let your smartphone camera see in the dark, Kickstarter is brimming with interesting ideas from some forward-thinking developers. We take a look at a few aimed at photographers. Learn more on connect.dpreview.com. Read full story → DxOMark Mobile analyzes the LG G2's camera capabilities Published on Tuesday, December 17, 2013 6:00:00 PM GMT We've added DxOMark Mobile's report to our camera review of the LG G2 smartphone. The report includes DxO Lab's usual industrial-quality scientific measurements. Their imaging experts analyzed 14 aspects of mobile imaging, including detailed image quality assessment, flash performance, autofocus reliability and more to calculate a final score. See their results on connect.dpreview.com. Read full story → Nikon D4 and Canon EOS 6D added to test scene comparison tool Published on Tuesday, December 17, 2013 11:00:28 PM GMT As we're racing to complete our full review of the Nikon Df, we've added the Nikon D4 and Canon EOS 6D to our studio comparison tool. The studio test scene shows image quality for both JPEG and Raw files. It offers downloadable Raw samples and is designed to simulate real-world daylight and low-light shooting. As always, you can compare the D4 and EOS 6D to a number of other cameras, including the Df. See test scene Read full story → Fujifilm announces XF 10-24mm F4 R OIS wideangle zoom Published on Wednesday, December 18, 2013 5:00:00 AM GMT Fujifilm has announced the XF 10-24mm F4 R OIS, a premium ultra-wideangle zoom lens for the company's X system mirrorless cameras. It offers an angle of view equivalent to 15-36mm on full frame, and incorporates optical image stabilisation to reduce blur at slow shutter speeds when shooting hand-held. It also has an aperture control ring on the barrel, and is compatible with the company's Lens Modulation Optimizer function. It'll be available from March 2014 for $999.95 / £849.99.  Read full story → Apple Raw update brings support for Nikon Df and Sony A7/A7R Published on Wednesday, December 18, 2013 4:23:18 PM GMT Apple recently released Digital Camera RAW Compatibility 5.02 for Aperture 3 and iPhoto '11. The update adds Raw image support for the following five cameras: Nikon D5300, Nikon Df, Olympus OM-D E-M1, Sony Alpha 7, and Sony Alpha 7R. Get the update Read full story → Have Your Say: Best Lens of 2013 Published on Wednesday, December 18, 2013 9:52:55 PM GMT A lot of lenses were released in 2013, for a growing number of camera systems. As well as additions to established mounts this year also saw newer systems grow substantially as 'road map' lenses became a reality. We've shot with a lot of this year's most interesting lenses and reviewed some, but we want to know your opinion. What was this year's best lens? We've whittled the selection down to 10, but now it's over to you. Click through for a look at the lenses, and a chance to cast your vote. Read full story → Have Your Say: Best Enthusiast Zoom Compact of 2013 Published on Wednesday, December 18, 2013 9:55:35 PM GMT 2013 was a busy year for high-end compact cameras, which saw everything from iterative updates to established lines to brand new options from manufacturers entering this market segment. We've used almost all of them, reviewed a few, and in the process we've taken thousands of pictures and formed plenty of opinions. But now it's your turn - what was the best enthusiast compact camera of 2013? Click through for our selection, and a chance to cast your vote.  Read full story → Have Your Say: Best Mirrorless Interchangeable Lens Camera of 2013 Published on Wednesday, December 18, 2013 9:55:48 PM GMT 2013 saw a lot of new mirrorless cameras, from minor updates to older models to all-new products like the waterproof Nikon 1 AW1 and the world's first full-frame enthusiast mirrorless cameras with Sony's Alpha A7 and A7R. We've used almost all of this year's crop of mirrorless cameras, published numerous samples galleries, wrote first impressions articles and reviews, but now it's your chance to have your say. What was the best mirrorless interchangeable lens camera of 2013? Click through to cast your vote.  Read full story → Have your say: Best Fixed-lens Compact Camera of 2013 Published on Wednesday, December 18, 2013 9:56:00 PM GMT 2013 saw the release of five cameras in a (relatively) new class, which we're calling 'fixed lens compact cameras'. Specifically, large-sensor fixed-lens compact cameras. Fujifilm's X100S is one of our favorite cameras of the year, addressing many of the faults of its predecessor. Sony followed up on the RX1 from last year with the RX1R, which shares the same 24MP full-frame sensor but minus an AA filter for superior resolution. Meanwhile, both Nikon and Ricoh released APS-C 28mm equivalent cameras, while Sigma's DP3 offers a 75mm equivalent lens. Click through for a chance to cast your vote and decide which is best.  Read full story → Have Your Say: Best DSLR / SLT of 2013 Published on Wednesday, December 18, 2013 9:56:09 PM GMT Several new DSLRs were announced in 2013, even as mirrorless cameras nipped at their heels in the entry-level and enthusiast segment of the market. Among the new DSLRs released this year were a handful of iterative updates to existing models, but also some all-new contenders, including Canon's high-tech EOS 70D and Nikon's entirely unconventional (or perhaps that should be entirely traditional) Df. Click through to check out the selection, and cast your vote.  Read full story → Firmware update gives Sony QX-series cameras more manual control Published on Thursday, December 19, 2013 4:59:35 AM GMT Sony has announced firmware upgrades that enhance the features of its QX-series 'lens-style' cameras, which clip on to the front of your smartphone. The update adds Full HD video recording and an expanded ISO range for both the QX10 and QX100, while the latter also receives a shutter priority mode. Sony's latest PlayMemories Mobile app has more seamless photo browsing and dramatically improved performance on iOS devices. Click through for more. Read full story → Sizing it up: Our Panasonic Lumix DMC-GM1 review Published on Thursday, December 19, 2013 7:40:00 AM GMT We've just posted our full review of the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GM1. It underscores the 'Micro' in Micro Four Thirds as the smallest model in that class, with a 16MP Four Thirds sensor and a collapsible 12-32mm F3.5-5.6 kit lens. It offers many features that its bigger Lumix GX7 sibling does, starting with the sensor, but in a much smaller package. See how it measures up. Read our full review Read full story → Nikon Df review: A classic remade? Published on Friday, December 20, 2013 1:00:00 AM GMT The Nikon Df is, at first appearance, the camera many people have been wanting for years - a classically styled DSLR with traditional external controls. A lot of what's under the Df's retro skin is pretty familiar with the 16MP full-frame D4 sensor and the AF system from the D610. But does the Df bring together the best of the old and the new for a compelling shooting experience? Find out. Read our full review Read full story → Pics.io rolls out online Raw converter, collaborative photo sharing Published on Friday, December 20, 2013 3:01:28 PM GMT As Pics.io continues its efforts to launch browser-based photo editing tools — with support for Raw files — and online storage, the first of its services is available now, for free. Pics.io's Ukrainian developers have rolled out both Live.pics.io, collaborative online photo sharing, and raw.pics.io, an online Raw file converter. Learn more at connect.dpreview.com. Read full story → What The Duck #1448 Published on Friday, December 20, 2013 9:30:00 PM GMT We've come to the end of another week here at dpreview, and as our thoughts drift to weekend shooting opportunities, it's time to take things a little less seriously. Aaron Johnson's comic strip ‘What the Duck’ is just the thing, taking a gently satirical look through the lens of a photographically inclined waterfowl. You can find it published here (and in our newsletter) every week; we hope you enjoy it, and your weekend. Read full story → Fujifilm, Sigma, and Pentax post firmware updates Published on Friday, December 20, 2013 10:53:07 PM GMT Over the last few days a number of firmware updates have been posted. Fujifilm has new firmware for the following cameras: X-Pro1, X-E1, X-E2, and X100S. From Sigma, there are updates for the SD1 and SD1 Merrill. And finally from Pentax, the K-3 also has new firmware. Get download links and more information about each update. Learn more Read full story → FroKnowsPhoto's Video Guide on sale Published on Saturday, December 21, 2013 1:00:00 PM GMT Our friend Jared Polin over at Fro Knows Photo is running a holiday season promotion on his latest video guide, FroKnowsPhoto Flash Guide. Until the end of the year you'll be able to buy the instant digital download version for just $57. Not bad for three hours of practical advice on flash photography delivered in the Fro's inimitable style. Read full story → Carnivorous plant image wins Olympus BioScapes competition Published on Sunday, December 22, 2013 6:00:00 AM GMT The open 'mouth' of a floating humped bladderwort plant (Utricularia gibba) took first prize in Olympus' microscope image competition. Igor Siwanowicz, a researcher from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute's Janelia Farm Research Campus in Ashburn, Virginia, took the winning image of the carnivorous plant, beating more than 2,000 entries from 71 countries. See gallery Read full story → Have your say: Best gear of 2013 Published on Sunday, December 22, 2013 11:44:02 PM GMT A great many new products were released this year, and we've published in-depth content on plenty of them, full reviews of many and we've got plenty of opinions on all of them. This is your chance to have your day - which was the best gear of 2013? Click through to see our five readers' polls, and cast your vote! Read full story →
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Digital Photography Review Newsletter: Tuesday, 17 December 2013

	Digital Photography Review Newsletter Tuesday, 17 December 2013 The most popular weekly photography newsletter, with over 300,000 subscribers
Hello! And welcome to the 488th Digital Photography Review newsletter. Hmm... somehow or other it's mid-December, how terrifying... this year certainly has whipped past very quickly, and one of the things that the entire team here realized as we were putting together our recent buying guide content was just how many new products came out in 2013. There's a link to all of that content below (stop me if you've read any of it before) and I'm currently putting the final touches on a series of polls to let you, our loyal readers have your say about the best cameras and lenses of the year. OK, without further ado let's take a look at some recent content highlights: Camera and Lens Buying Guides Buying a new camera or lens can be fraught with difficulty. Finding the right gear is hard, and depends on a lot of different factors – what sort of photography you enjoy doing, what kind of size and weight you're comfortable with, and of course how much you're prepared to spend. On this page you'll find links to our extensive buying guide content, which span everything from seasonal product roundups to advice about what gear is best for what kind of shooting situation. You'll also find links to the most popular cameras and lenses on dpreview, and to our interactive camera chooser, which lets you quickly compare different models to find the right one for you. Click here to visit our main hub for all camera and lens buying guide content DPReview Gear of the Year Part 5: Canon Rebel SL1 / EOS 100D A lot of equipment passes through our Seattle and London offices, everything from high-end cameras to inexpensive accessories. A lot of it gets reviewed, but we can't cover everything. In this series of short articles, DPReview staff will be highlighting their personal standout products of the year. In part 5, Shawn Barnett talks about his personal favorite - the Canon Rebel SL1 / EOS 100D. Click here to read all about why the Rebel SL1 is Shawn's favorite product of the year Accessory Review: Manfrotto 190 Carbon Fiber Tripod Lauded as a compact semi-professional model and constructed of cross-woven carbon fiber, the new 190 ($409.88 body only) would be an eye-catching addition to any camera kit. Manfrotto made several updates to the new model, but do they place it far enough beyond the old 190, which cost $259.95, to justify the price hike? Find out in our review Click here to read our review of the Manfrotto 190 Carbon Fiber Tripod Just added: DxO test data for the Sigma 24-105mm f/4 DG OS HSM DxOMark has just reviewed the Sigma 24-105mm f/4 DG OS HSM, a general-purpose zoom for full frame SLRs. As part of our ongoing collaboration we've added the test data to our lens widget, and looked to see how it compares to the Canon equivalent. We've also added test data for the Nikon mount version of Zeiss's stellar Apo Sonnar T* 2/135. Click through for our full analysis, and a link to DxOMark's own reviews. Click here to see the DxO test data from Sigma's new 24-105mm F4 DG OS HSM What's coming up? Although we haven't stopped working, the situation today is much the same as it was this time last week. We're still working hard on the new Nikon Df, we're almost done with our full review of the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GM1 and we're also aiming to get a decent chunk of content published about the Sony a7 and a7R before the end of the year. We're really hoping to be able to publish the archived video from last week's 'dpreviewLIVE' broadcast day as well, once some technical snags have been ironed out. Thanks for reading, until next time... Barney WTD #1196 Check out What The Duck in our Link Directory GearShop update - a message from Laura GearShop update - a message from Laura Rewards are back! Buy almost any system camera or lens we sell, and automatically earn 2% back to spend on anything in the store. Look for on graphic on the product page telling you the item is eligible, or read the fine print. This week's best deals: Buy any Olympus mirrorless camera and save $200 off your choice of select pro-quality Olympus lenses, including the new 12-40mm F2.8. Save up to 40% on select Kata backpacks and sling bags, while supplies last! Now shipping: Sony a7R and Fujifilm XF 23mm F1.4 R lens are in stock now! Don't forget: We have free 2-day shipping on everything in the store, with orders for in stock items arriving in time for Christmas, as long as you order by December 22nd. Until next week - Laura and the GearShop Team
News updates Nikon Df real-world samples gallery Published on Tuesday, December 10, 2013 1:07:00 AM GMT As we work on our full review of the Nikon Df, we've been shooting with it extensively and have put together a gallery of real-world samples. We've tried to use a selection of lenses, including older Nikon glass as well as the recently-launched AF-S Nikkor 58mm f/1.4 G. Here are 40 images shot at a range of ISOs to show how the camera performs. See gallery Read full story → Make your own Google Street View virtual tours Published on Tuesday, December 10, 2013 9:17:26 PM GMT Google is reaching out to photographers to help capture and record the planet's most hard-to-reach places using Android's Photo Sphere feature. A new tool lets users upload and connect their 360-degree photo spheres to create virtual tours that can be shared in Google's Street View. Learn more on connect.dpreview.com. Read full story → DPReview Gear of the Year Part 5: Canon Rebel SL1/100D Published on Wednesday, December 11, 2013 5:00:00 AM GMT A lot of equipment passes through our Seattle and London offices, everything from high-end cameras to inexpensive accessories. A lot of it gets reviewed, but we can't cover everything. In this series of short articles, DPReview staff will be highlighting their personal standout products of the year. In part 5, Shawn Barnett talks about his personal favorite - the Canon Rebel SL1/100D. Read full story → Enter the 2014 World Press Photo contest Published on Wednesday, December 11, 2013 9:00:00 AM GMT One of the premier photojournalism competitions, the 2014 World Press Photo contest, is now open for entries to professional photographers. The deadline for submissions is January 15, 2014 and the winners will be announced on February 14, 2014. The top award, the World Press Photo of the Year, carries a cash prize of €10,000 (~$13,764). Learn more Read full story → Adobe releases final versions of Camera Raw 8.3 and Lightroom 5.3 Published on Thursday, December 12, 2013 5:41:25 AM GMT Adobe has announced the final versions of Camera Raw and DNG Converter 8.3, along with Lightroom 5.3. Different versions for ACR 8.3 are available for Photoshop CC and Photoshop CS6 - both from Adobe.com and through the update mechanisms in the software. DNG Converter is available for free for users of older versions of Photoshop. The latest versions brings support for 20 cameras, including the Nikon Df and Nokia Lumia 1020 that weren't in the release candidate versions. Read full story → What the Android 4.4.1 update means for Google's Nexus 5 shooters Published on Thursday, December 12, 2013 6:00:00 AM GMT A major software update promises to fix the bevy of camera issues Nexus 5 users started complaining about as soon as they got Google's newest smartphones in hand. So does the Android update make for a more responsive camera? We put our refreshed Nexus 5 through its photographic paces on connect.dpreview.com. Read full story → Eye-Fi's Mobi card will transfer directly to desktop Published on Thursday, December 12, 2013 3:56:03 PM GMT Eye-Fi is beta testing a new desktop receiver for Windows that will allow for direct transfer from the Eye-Fi Mobi card to the desktop. Launched earlier this year, the Eye-Fi Mobi card uses Wi-Fi to wirelessly send images to your mobile device via an iOS, Android or Kindle app — and now straight to your desktop. Download the new software for free on connect.dpreview.com. Read full story → Adobe adds color profiles for Olympus cameras to ACR and Lightroom Published on Friday, December 13, 2013 1:26:42 AM GMT Adobe's latest versions of Camera Raw and Lightroom contained a pleasant surprise for Olympus owners - color profiles for image conversion. The company says the addition is a response to 'a long standing customer request.' We've re-processed one of the images from our Olympus OM-D E-M1 sample gallery to see how closely the profiles match the camera's 'Natural' setting. Read full story → Accessory Review: Manfrotto 190 Carbon Fiber Tripod Published on Friday, December 13, 2013 6:00:00 AM GMT Lauded as a compact semi-professional model and constructed of cross-woven carbon fiber, the new 190 ($409.88 body only) would be an eye-catching addition to any camera kit. Manfrotto made several updates to the new model, but do they place it far enough beyond the old 190, which cost $259.95, to justify the price hike? Find out in our review Read full story → SLR Magic announces 17mm T1.6 lens for Micro Four Thirds Published on Friday, December 13, 2013 11:19:12 AM GMT Hong Kong-based lens maker SLR Magic has announced an addition to its family of video-oriented manual focus fast primes for Micro Four Thirds. The 17mm T1.6 offers an angle of view equivalent to 34mm on full frame, and has geared focus and aperture rings. It will be available at the end of December 2013. Read full story → Lomography offers pre-order package for Petzval 85mm F2.2 SLR lens Published on Friday, December 13, 2013 12:23:35 PM GMT Lomography has announced that its Kickstarter-funded Petzval portrait lens is now available for pre-order in Canon and Nikon mounts. Based on a 19th century optical design, the 85mm F2.2 lens has a brass lens barrel, a 'gear rack' manual focusing mechanism using a knob on the side of the barrel, and a set of drop-in 'Waterhouse stops' to change the aperture. The pre-order package costs $599 from Lomography's website, with a current delivery estimate of May 2014.   Read full story → What The Duck #1196 Published on Friday, December 13, 2013 6:46:33 PM GMT We've come to the end of another week here at dpreview, and as our thoughts drift to weekend shooting opportunities, it's time to take things a little less seriously. Aaron Johnson's comic strip ‘What the Duck’ is just the thing, taking a gently satirical look through the lens of a photographically inclined waterfowl. You can find it published here (and in our newsletter) every week; we hope you enjoy it, and your weekend. Read full story → Want to remember something? Don't take a photo Published on Saturday, December 14, 2013 9:00:00 AM GMT Nowadays we snap photos of every detail of our lives — the food we eat, what our cat is doing, the quirky things we see, the places we go — and we do this in an effort document and remember those experiences. But a new study, published in Psychological Science, suggests it's possible that the act of taking pictures may actually lessen our ability to recall details of a subject. Learn more Read full story → Backstory of Phantom Flex4K video shot at 1,000 FPS Published on Sunday, December 15, 2013 9:00:00 AM GMT Filming fire has come a long way since the 1991 movie Backdraft. Emerging Director Brendan Bellomo and DP Greg Wilson shot a slow motion short using the Phantom Flex4K camera, which shoots 1,000 FPS in full 4K resolution. The results are riveting. See video Read full story → Art of Building contest: Vote for your favorite photo Published on Monday, December 16, 2013 7:00:00 AM GMT An eerie view from Alcatraz, the use of child labor in India and a symbol of the Soviet Union’s past industrial rush are some of the finalists in this year's international Art of Building photography competition run by the Chartered Institute of Building. A panel of judges shortlisted 15 images. Now the contest turns to you to decide the winner. Learn more Read full story → Tamron announces availability of 150-600mm F/5-6.3 telephoto zoom Published on Monday, December 16, 2013 11:15:48 AM GMT Tamron has announced that its SP 150-600mm F/5-6.3 Di VC USD telephoto zoom will go on sale on December 19th in Japan, and 17th January 2014 in the USA. The lens will feature optical image stabilization and an Ultrasonic Silent Drive autofocus motor, and be compatible with both full frame and APS-C SLRs. It will be available first in Canon mount, with Nikon and Sony versions to follow. Pricing is still to be confirmed. Read full story → Lens reviews update: test data for the Sigma 24-105mm f/4 DG OS HSM Published on Monday, December 16, 2013 5:07:47 PM GMT DxOMark has just reviewed the Sigma 24-105mm f/4 DG OS HSM, a general-purpose zoom for full frame SLRs. As part of our ongoing collaboration we've added the test data to our lens widget, and looked to see how it compares to the Canon equivalent. We've also added test data for the Nikon mount version of Zeiss's stellar Apo Sonnar T* 2/135. Click through for our full analysis, and a link to DxOMark's own reviews. Read full story →
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